Hosting the Most Stylish Masquerade Party

Masquerade parties have roots from 16^th Century Europe. Nowadays, masquerade balls are accessible for everyone, and are an elegant theme for many different kinds of events and parties. If you’re looking to host your own Masquerade, here are some tips to ensure you host a stylish event:

Choose a theme for your Masquerade Party

If you’re choosing to go classic, the original Italian masquerades of Venice is for you. Complete with very traditional styled masks. This gives your event a very regal, historic feel.

Alternatively, choose a simple, sleek, and streamlined theme, and give your guests the freedom to use different styles of masks. This allows the dress code to be formal like a cocktail party. Instead of becoming “getting into costume”, and gives guests the chance to be creative with their masks.

The theme will help your guests understand the dress code and the atmosphere of the event. And acts as the starting point for every aspect of the event. Call one of our friendly entertainment consultants who can advise you based on your audience, event type and budget.

The Mask

Masquerades have one aspect that separates them from normal parties – the masks. It goes without saying that the types of masks worn really influence the overall atmosphere and style of your masquerade ball.

The masquerade balls of 16^th century Europe often called upon the characteristics of traditional Italian theatre, commedia dell’arte. Different types of theatrical masks represent different character archetypes. If you are holding a classical style masquerade event, it’s worth it to check out the different character/mask types.

In a wider sense, masquerade masks are split into different types of coverage. There are full-faced masks that are often adorned and decorated very fancifully, or half-faced masks that are reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera. These look very beautiful, but can be a little difficult to source, so we’ve got alternatives for you too.

The most popular types of masks that are featured on TV shows and movies are the eye-masks. These are usually tied to the wearer’s head by a string, or hand-held up to the face by a stick. These are often the most flexible masks for modern masquerade events, but you can always get even more creative.

Making your Masks Iconic

Make sure you set up a “backup” mask table! We can supply masks, and this is a service you’ll want to take advantage of. This will ensure that guests who arrive without a mask, or guests who want to swap their mask, or the inevitable breakage of a self-brought mask are all covered by a backup.

For very modern vogue masquerades, you have the option of interpreting the mask in very fashionable ways. You can hire a face painter to draw on a mask with beautiful designs, or use a lace-mask instead of a plastic one. You can also opt for masks that are animal themed, like owls, deers, wolves, rabbits, and so on, for a truly out-there masquerade.

Also give your guests the option of making their own mask. Set up a mask-making stall near the entrance, with pre-cut eye masks, glitter, streamers, feathers, sticks, elastic string, and plenty of glue. This is a great option for masquerade events with lower budgets, or for ones involving children.

Another option for DIY masks is to create an event around making the mask itself. Masquerades don’t have to be overly fancy, and if your guest list is filled with crafty creative types, why not run a mask-making competition? Set up enticing awards for different categories, like best full-face mask, funniest mask, etc, and set up a station at your event. This is great for kids and family events, and the masks are great take-home tokens as well!

Or issue a challenge for guests to arrive in home-made masks. You’ll be surprised at the level of creativity and sophistication that paper mache or cardboard masks can achieve in the right hands! Have a bit of fun with your masquerade.

Venue and Décor for your Masquerade Party

The look and feel of the venue is very important for masquerade balls of any kind. Contemporary masquerades may not need a great castle hall to hold the festivities, but it still needs a roomy space that gives guests the ability to mingle.

Choose venues with high ceilings, such as a hall, a large function space, or a ballroom. Avoid cramped locations like a meeting room or restaurant (unless it’s their function room). If you’re holding an intimate one in your own home, choose a large space like your living room, and combine it with an adjoining space, such as a lounge room or the back porch, which creates a flowing space for your guests. Holding one outdoors is completely fine, granted you have a backup plan in case the weather isn’t cooperating.

Having troubles? Ask us about our venue finding service. We have a list of trusted and beautiful venues, and our extended experience in events management means we understand what sort of venues will be best suited for your event needs and budget.

More importantly, style your venue to suit your event theme. This enhances the magic of the masquerade by creating an enchanting world separate from the everyday. You may not be in a castle’s great hall, but you can make it feel that way.

Entertainment

Live music is a must – after all, it’s a ball. More classic themed masquerades can use string-based bands, like a string quartet, or traditional medieval themed minstrels. For those leaning towards contemporary themes, or a break from tradition, you can consider anything from live bands, singers, even DJs.

Carnival themed skills and performers – masquerades begun as a part of carnivals, and it’s only fitting to pay homage to this with circus/carnival skills and performers. Think adagio acrobats, fire breathers, magicians, and so on. This works to enhance your masquerade theme, as well as keep your guests entertained. Best of all, it works with all styles of masquerade balls.

Special entertainment – your guests may want something specific to focus on. A great idea for classy contemporary masquerade events can be to provide a number of casino tables, such as poker, blackjack, or a roulette table. It adds a touch of classiness to your masquerade party, as well as add some energy and a touch of thrill.

Other entertainment add-ons – these are the little things that really make a difference to the overall experience. Event photographers not only capture the fantastic costumes and/or outfits, it actively engages guests in the event environment. If event photographers aren’t your thing, photo booths are also very popular.

Check out this gorgeous masquerade event that we custom built for Schweppes at the Victorian State Library. With a custom Murder Mystery storyline, and beautiful masks and costumes that we helped source and provide, this is the level of sophistication that you can expect from an Applause Entertainment masquerade party.

Get started with your Masquerade Party

With these tips in mind, you’re now well equipped to start planning your own masquerades. Remember, the fun is in the enjoyment of each other’s company, while engaging in something that’s different and exciting, so don’t hesitate to experiment with a different kind of party theme.

If you liked what you read here, make sure you call 1300 261 545 to start enquiring about your own event.

Consult with us over the phone today!

Whatever it is you need for your Masquerade party or corporate celebrations – Applause has you covered! Let us know the specifics of your event over the phone because we’d love to hear about it! For example, direct communication with our entertainment specialists will help us figure out which entertainment would best suit your event.

We offer high-quality and professional entertainment services in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania & Canberra. Available across Australia – we’d love to hear about your event and how we can help. To be sure your entertainment makes your event memorable, consult with us today!

As with all Applause Entertainment events, the entire planning process is simple! Consult with us today over the phone as to what you need at your event. We want to make it happen! Call 1300 261 545